13 Impressive Benefits of Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

Vitamin B2 is a water-soluble vitamin. The human body needs a daily dosage of it since it cannot be stored in the body. It plays a major role in energy production and represents an essential nutrient in your diet.

Riboflavin, also known as vitamin B2, plays a significant role in the production of energy. It helps in the conversion of carbohydrates to sugar, which fuels many functions in the body. Riboflavin also plays an active part in the electron transport chain that produces cellular energy. Furthermore, it helps in the processing of amino acids and fats. It can also serve as an antioxidant, which slows the pace of aging.

Oily fish, including mackerel, eel, and herring are also rich sources of riboflavin. The list also includes eggs, shellfish, wild rice, dried peas, millet, sunflowerseeds, and beans to add B2 to your diet. Dark leafy green vegetables, such as asparagus and spinach, whole grain products, and mushrooms are also rich in riboflavin. Cabbage, carrots, apples, figs, and berries have a comparatively low level of vitamin B2. Fortunately, vitamin B2 is not lost during cooking, unlike many other vitamins. However, it is destroyed by strong light and baking soda.

Deficiency Symptoms of Riboflavin

Vitamin B2 deficiency can hamper the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins, as these elements would require vitamin B2 for complete metabolism. The deficiency symptoms of vitamin B2 include bloodshot eyes, high sensitivity to light, a burning sensation in the eyes, parched lips, inflammation in the mouth, and a sore tongue. Other common symptoms include dull or oily hair, premature wrinkles, and split nails. Riboflavin deficiency could result in the improper functioning of adrenal glands, which in turn would result in various conditions such as anemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, and cataract development. Riboflavin deficiency is thought to be a major cause for the fatal condition of preeclampsia in pregnant women.

Riboflavin deficiency mainly manifests as skin lesions, especially over the tongue and around the corners of the mouth. If left untreated, it can lead to a swollen tongue, seborrheic dermatitis, and even an impaired nerve function. Dandruff, low blood count, chipping of the lips and corners of the mouth, dizziness, hair loss, loss of sleep, poor digestion, and slow mental responses are some of the other symptoms of vitamin B2 deficiency.

Health Benefits of Riboflavin

Riboflavin is a well-absorbed water-soluble vitamin, which has a key role to play in maintaining overall human health. Its major health benefits are given below:

Boosts Energy

Riboflavin plays a major role in the production of energy by assisting in the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and proteins.

Increases Blood Circulation

Vitamin B2 is essential for the formation of fresh red blood cells and antibodies in humans, which increases circulation and oxygenation to various organs of the body.

Promotes Growth & Development

Riboflavin is very important for ensuring proper growth and development of the reproductive organs, and the growth of body tissues such as the skin, connective tissue, eyes, mucous membranes, nervous system, and the immune system. In addition, it also ensures healthy skin, nails, and hair.

Regulates Thyroid Activity

Prevents Diseases

Skin Care

Riboflavin helps to improve the mucus secretion of the skin and might clean up the skin pustules that are common with acne.

Protects Nervous System

Vitamin B2 can help in treating various nervous system conditions such as numbness, Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, anxiety, and epilepsy, among others. It is thought that riboflavin, when used along with vitamin B6, is effective for treating the painful symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS).

Essential for Normal Growth

Riboflavin is associated with the formulation of proteins, making it essential for normal growth of the body.

Protects Vision

Vitamin B2 plays a major role in ensuring healthy corneas and perfect vision.

Prevents HIV/AIDS

Studies have shown that riboflavin can slow down the progression of the AIDS virus.

Boosts Mineral Absorption

Repairs Tissues

Riboflavin plays an important role in the repair of tissues, the healing of wounds and other injuries that can take a long time to fully recover.

Protects Digestive Tract

It plays a major role in maintaining and protecting the mucous membranes in the digestive system.

Healthy Fetal Development

Although there is no concrete proof to substantiate the claims that vitamin B2 is essential for the healthy progression of pregnancy, it is regarded as an essential ingredient of a future mother’s diet, along with vitamin A.